Jeff's Top 12 of 2006
January - SPL: Sha Po Lang (Hong Kong, 2005)
Comment: This film caused alot of buzz at the Toronto Film Festival last year, I had actually wanted to go and see it at its premere, but unfortunitly could not. So after a few patient months it finally arrived on DVD. I was totally blown away. I expected good, and got great insted. Sammo Hung has proven yet again that he can so very nicely play the badguy. The fight at the end between him and Donnie Yen is nothing short of magic!
February - Bullet in the Head (Hong Kong, 1990)
Comment: We all watch movies, espeshally the folks on here. We see many good, and bad films. Some that may leave you satisfied. Or may leave you demanding you two hours back. Then there is that third category. The films that are, simply said, an experience. Bullet in the head is one of them. Now I will admit the fight at the end seemed somewhat, out of place. Its great, but the film really feels like it had shifted to a HK action flick more then the extrordinary Epic that it really is. However, when the credits start rolling, you have defanitly just had a film watching experience.
March - 3 Iron (Korea, 2004)
Comment: A great Korean film, or should I say a great Korean 'Silent' film? Well, it does have dialogue at points, but not from the two main characters. Two people who falll in love with each other without even speaking a word. 3-Iron is defanitly a different film, but one worth checking out!
April - Millionaires Express (Hong Kong, 1986)
Comment: An absolutely fabulous romp! Millionaires Express is one of the most fun films I have ever watched! It goes without saying that the cast is absoutely jam packed with almost everyone, and anyone you can think of. However. . .no Jackie Chan?? Him being in this film would have certainly added alot! However, the fight between Sammo and Yuen Biao at the tracks, makes up for everything!
May - Fearless (China, 2006)
Comment: Easily my favorite film of 2006. If indeed Fearless is Jet Li's final martial arts film. He sure went out on top. This is an almost flawless film, maybe the only flaw being how much was cut out of the final print. But with the upcomming release of the extended directors cut, that counld change!
June - Samaritan Girl (Korea, 2004)
Comment: Another gem from director Ki-duk Kim. It just seems he cannot make a bad film! Its a story about a girl named Jae-yeung who's friend Yeo-jin is trapped by choice in the life of prostitution (trying to earn money to move to europe). When she is killed during a police raid one day. Our Jae-yeung who was very apposed to her friends career choice, decides to find all the men who Yeo-jin slept with, sleep with them, but insted of taking payment from them, she will return their money to them. But when her father discovers her activaties, he goes after the men her daughter is sleeping with.
July - Full Contact (Hong Kong, 1993)
Comment: I really enjoyed this film. It took me a while to watch this, but I was glad when I did. A nice revenge flick with some great performances by Chow Yun Fat, Simon Yam, and Anthony Wong.
August - Parasite Eve (Japan, 2004)
Comment: I have always wanted to see this film. Its an adaption of the novel that the game is based on. I really enjoyed it, though its been so long since I played the game, i was able to watch the film and say "Oh yeah, OH yeah. Oh neat" It was very different then teh game, actually it more set up the game then anything. As for the film, it had a good story, decent acting, but some dated CG.
September - Yes, Madam! (Hong Kong, 1985)
Comment: A very fun film to say the least! With one of my favorite people to grave the hong kong films, the always entertaining John Sham. And he is fantastic. His wackyness seems to be toned down a bit, however he still manages to get some laughs(out of me). Also must mention the great James Tien playing his usual badguy role, but for some reason this is one of my favorite of his roles. Its the laughing I think! Great fights, great action. and even a pretty solid story!
October - No Problem 2 (HK/Japan, 2002)
Comment: I really enjoyed this film, it was fun and full of great spoofs! I espeshally enjoyed the opening sequence which borrowed exactly from The Killer! Also having Yuen Biao makes any film better. It must also be noted that No Problem 2 has one of the best animated opening credits I have ever seen!
November - Rob-B-Hood (Hong Kong, 2006)
Comment: Rob B Hood was a great film, but I felt it dropped the ball on the casting. The whole time I watched it, I couldn't stop thinking of how great it would have been to have had Jackie, Yuen Biao, and Sammo Hung all together again. Alas, it was still a great film. Full of laughs, tears, and some wonderful action sequences.
December - The Promise (China/HK/Japan/S.Korea, 2005)
Comment: Though plagued with some bad CGI. The Promise is a stunning film. It has a nice story, some wonderful visuals, and some nice action sequences. I also love seeing a diverse casts. We see some wonderful actors and actress' from Japan (Hiroyuki Sanada), Hong Kong (Cecilia Cheung), China (Liu Yeh), and Korea (Jang Dong Gun).
